Library levy will help maintain services

Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) has provided funding for public library operations linking together city and community libraries for 30 years.

The levy would fund member libraries in Banks, Beaverton, Cedar Mill, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Garden Home, Hillsboro, North Plains, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin, and West Slope. 85% of the levy funds would be distributed to these libraries, many having experienced service reductions in recent years. Remaining funds would provide central services that link libraries together.

Why is this levy being proposed?

To maintain current local library services:

* Avoid additional reductions in hours, book purchases and programs.

* Provide current local library services through 2011.

* Address increases in population and library use.

* Maintain central services that link libraries together.

To support literacy programs for children:

* More than 17,000 children participate in the annual summer reading program designed to sustain reading retention between school years.

* Library-based literacy programs for preschoolers are designed to increase the number of children entering school "ready to read."

To purchase books:

* Funds would purchase materials available to residents through all WCCLS libraries.

What would the levy pay for?

It would maintain library services and allow for restoration of selected services at some libraries, namely hours of operation, and purchase of books and other materials.

It would maintain central services and outreach programs that serve residents through all WCCLS libraries. This includes outreach to special populations such as homebound, funding for reading programs, early childhood literacy, WILInet catalog/website, delivery of books between libraries and funding for an information systems replacement.

How would this levy effect taxes?

* It is a fixed rate of 17¢ per $1,000 of assessed value.

* Owners of a home with an average assessed value of $192,000 (different than market value) would pay $33 in additional taxes in 2007-08.

* $29.5 million would be levied over 4 years.

What happens if the levy fails?

* Hours and book purchases reduced.

* Current service levels would be reduced as determined by local libraries.

Where can I get more information?

Log on to www.wilinet.wccls.lib.or.us or call WCCLS at 503-846-3222.

Annual spaghetti dinner to benefit library

The Sherwood-Midday Masonic Lodge is sponsoring their annual Spaghetti Dinner on Friday, October 6, from 4 - 8:00 p.m. at the Sherwood Masonic Lodge in Old Town Sherwood (60 NW Washington St.). Tickets for the spaghetti, salad and garlic bread dinner are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Sherwood Public Library. Tickets can be purchased at the Sherwood Masonic Lodge the evening of the dinner.